Overview
The Federated States of Micronesia is a tropical diver’s paradise with crystal clear, turquoise water and white beaches. The shallow, enormous lagoons of islands like Chuuk are incredibly beautiful, filled with shipwrecks and rainbow-hued coral reefs. The population of Micronesia is characterized by many languages and unique customs. On the island of Yap, for example, people still use ancient stone coins to pay today. Micronesia became the US-administered UN Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands in 1947. After that it became a Portuguese, Spanish, German and Japanese colony. In 1986, the islands signed a treaty of free association with the US, allowing for near-total independence with US military support. The islands of Micronesia are geographically very isolated and industry and infrastructure have yet to develop. The potential for positive development, especially in the tourism sector, is great, but continued support from the USA is required. But even if tourism establishes itself as a source of income, there will always be a lonely island paradise for those looking for relaxation among the more than 600 islands. See other countries in Oceania on ethnicityology.
Getting there
Arriving by plane
There are no direct flights to the Federated States of Micronesia from Germany, Austria and Switzerland. From Honolulu, United (UA) offers flights to Pohnpei and Chuuk, among others, with the Island Hopper Service. United (UA) also connects Guam to the larger islands. Lufthansa (LH) flies in cooperation with United (UA) from Frankfurt/M. via Newark and San Francisco or Los Angeles to Honolulu; Feeder flights to Frankfurt/M. are possible from Vienna and Zurich with Lufthansa (LH) or national airlines. From Zurich there are flight connections with Icelandair (FI) and Alaska Airlines (AS) via Reykjavik (Iceland) and Seattle (USA) to Honolulu.
Flight times
Frankfurt/M. – Honolulu: Approx. 32 hours; Vienna – Honolulu: approx. 37 hours; Zurich – Honolulu: approx. 25 hours (each with stopovers; the journey times vary considerably depending on the length of stay at the stopovers) Honolulu – Pohnpei: 9 hours 30 minutes; Honolulu – Chuuk: 11 hrs 20 mins
Departure fee
Pohnpei, Yap and Chuuk have airport taxes of approximately €18 (US$20); in Kosrae about €14 (US$15).
Arrival by ship
Merchant ships call at the more distant islands from the main ports of Pohnpei, Chuuk and Yap.
Transportation
Traveling by plane
United (UA) connects Pohnpei with the islands of Chuuk and Kosrae. Caroline Islands Air offers charter flights from Pohnpei, Chuuk and Yap.
Traveling by car/bus
The road network of the islands has a total length of about 240 km. A ring road runs along the coast around Pohnpei.
Right-hand traffic/left-hand traffic
Right
Condition of the roads
Most roads are unpaved. About 40 km of the entire road network is asphalted. However, the roads around the main island towns are well developed and passable.
Car rental
Car rentals are available in major cities and at the airport in Pohnpei.
Taxi
Taxis can be found all over the islands.
Coach
There is no regular bus service; However, buses can be hired.
Regulations
Traffic regulations: – alcohol limit: 0.5 ‰; – Seatbelt obligation. Speed limits: – 40 km/h (25 mph) (both urban and rural); – in front of schools: 24 km/h (15 mph).
Roadside Assistance
In the event of breakdowns and accidents, the car rental company must be notified.
Documentation
In addition to the national driver’s license, the international driver’s license is required.
Traveling by ship
Inter-island crossing may be possible with a Matson cargo ship.